11 replies to this topic

[canon eos]

Thanks for any input or comments.

[GreatHorn]

With that yellow bill, that's a male Mallard (nonbreeding).

[Indybirder]

Agree.

[canon eos]

Thanks guys. It was the plumage that got me, but I see that it is the yellow beak that stays the same.
I appreciate the help

[cestma]

Beautiful--as always!

[canon eos]

Thank you. I had good light to work with.

Canon T2i, 400L lens, f5.6, 1/1000, ISO 800

[MockMock]

The reflection really adds to the beauty of this photo.

[TheBillyPilgrim]

Thanks guys. It was the plumage that got me, but I see that it is the yellow beak that stays the same.
I appreciate the help

This is what's referred to as the eclipse plumage in ducks (they have strange molt sequences, different than most other birds). They are actually flightless at the beginning of the eclipse period, too, because they shed all of their primary flight feathers at once!

[TytoAlba]

This is what's referred to as the eclipse plumage in ducks (they have strange molt sequences, different than most other birds). They are actually flightless at the beginning of the eclipse period, too, because they shed all of their primary flight feathers at once!

I have seen many eclipsed mallards in my area (Michigan) and have been seeing them for a month now. I was out this weekend, however, and saw a male mallard that appeared to be in full breading colors, even swimming next to eclipsed male mallards. Is it 100% that all male mallards eclipse in the fall/winter and the timing is just different for each individual or is something else the cause? Thanks.

[GreatHorn]

I have seen many eclipsed mallards in my area (Michigan) and have been seeing them for a month now. I was out this weekend, however, and saw a male mallard that appeared to be in full breading colors, even swimming next to eclipsed male mallards. Is it 100% that all male mallards eclipse in the fall/winter and the timing is just different for each individual or is something else the cause? Thanks.

I see nobody is replying, but I think for the most part, every duck goes into eclipse plumage and seeing both eclipse and breeding can be attributed to different timing. Right now all the Mallards are "pretty" here!

[TheBillyPilgrim]

I have seen many eclipsed mallards in my area (Michigan) and have been seeing them for a month now. I was out this weekend, however, and saw a male mallard that appeared to be in full breading colors, even swimming next to eclipsed male mallards. Is it 100% that all male mallards eclipse in the fall/winter and the timing is just different for each individual or is something else the cause? Thanks.

The eclipse plumage doesn't last that long in Mallards (usually just a month or so, I believe). Most of mine in Maryland seem to be back in their normal plumage now, so it seems about right that yours in Michigan are, too.

[TytoAlba]

I didn't realize that it was such a short period and figured the eclipse would last until spring. Thanks GH & BillyPilgrim.